ISLAMABAD   -   A group of mountaineers, part of International Winter K-2 Expedition, called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi on Friday. According to a press release issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate, the COAS congratulated the climbers for their great achievement, making history in the field of mountaineering by scaling K-2 in winter for the first time.

“The delegation shared their experiences during the momentous expedition and thanked Pakistan and its people for their warm hospitality. The delegation also expressed their gratitude for facilitating the expedition to achieve this record,” the ISPR said.

Pakistan has five peaks over and above 8000 meters; K2 8,611 meters, Nanga Parbat 8,126 meters, Gasherbrum I 8080 meters, Broad Peak 8051 meters, and Gasherbrum II 8,035 meters.

As per details involving Winter K-2 Expedition 2020/21/Seven Summit Trek, on 19 December 2020, an international winter K2 expedition reached in Pakistan.

After completing formalities at Islamabad, complete expedition reached K2 Base Camp on 29 December 2020. Chhang Dawa Sherpa led the 48-members expedition party including 43 males and 5 females.

On 16 January 2021, at about 1656 hrs, 10 Nepali climbers have Summit K2/8611 in winter and smashed a record. Previously, the highest altitude achieved on K-2 in winter season was 7750m by Denis Urubko and Marcin Kaczkan in 2002/03. The climbers included Nirmal Purja, Gelje Sherpa, Mingma David Sherpa, Mingma G, Sona Sherpa, Mingma Tenzi Sherpa, Pem Chhiri Sherpa, Dawa Temba Sherpa, Kili Pemba Sherpa, and Dawa Tenjing Sherpa.